Suncity leads the way in world-class conferences
Suncity is the crown jewel in Sun International’s portfolio of gems. Meeting Talk to the general manager Brett Hope About the resort’s exciting conference prospects.Sun City has always been highly anticipated by both business and leisure travelers, and the resort's conference center continues to thrive as it captures an ever-increasing share of the conference market thanks to constant upgrades and improvements. Before the pandemic, Suncity spent R150-million modernizing its commercial infrastructure; this was in addition to the R1-billion spent a few years ago. These investments have paid off, with the South African Tourism Rating Council updating the Suncity Convention Center’s five-star rating for 2024/25.Suncity's current event figures are 15% ahead of 2024, with major events and conferences booked two years in advance. “Our business facilities include 27 meeting rooms, three conference centres, twoAuditorium and multiple lounges. There is huge potential for conferences, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, and business tourism in Suncity also helps support the local economy in the North…
Discover Inclusive Vacations at Premium Hotels: Your Ultimate Experience
For the first time, Premier Hotels is offering all-inclusive accommodation packages at five stunning resorts, offering business travelers and leisure guests an unparalleled experience. These packages are designed to take the hassle out of planning, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in relaxation and adventure, with all the essentials covered.Why all-inclusive accommodation is popularAll-inclusive packages are becoming increasingly popular because of the convenience and peace of mind they offer. With accommodation, dining and select activities all bundled into one price, travelers can enjoy a stress-free experience without having to worry about budgeting for additional expenses. Whether you're a business traveler looking for a seamless experience between meetings, or a family looking to focus on fun and relaxation, the all-inclusive model has something for everyone.For enterprise customers, this model offers a great opportunity to blend business and pleasure. With everything available on-site, your team can focus on brainstorming during the day while enjoying a relaxing environment in the evenings. Leisure travelers,…
Barmotion: Your partner for hotel solutions
When it comes to creating unforgettable event experiences, Barmotion stands out as a hospitality solutions provider, offering customized services with a creative edge. Whether it's an expo stand or an end-of-year family day, Barmotion offers a full range of services to enhance the atmosphere of any occasion. From setting up the bar to managing the entire operation, the company's diligence ensures smooth execution every time.Complete event hospitality infrastructureBarmotion specializes in providing complete infrastructure for events of all sizes. Their services include everything from professional-grade bars, equipment and product supplies to highly trained staff. What sets Barmotion apart is the full range of services it offers. Customers don’t need to worry about the logistical challenges of sourcing multiple suppliers – Barmotion can manage it all, ensuring smooth operations from start to finish.Their flexibility allows them to host a variety of events, from trade shows and product launches to corporate celebrations and family fun days. Every activity is treated with equal attention…
Why Cape Town’s Pride bid should feature business owners
Cape Town is making waves with its ambitious bid to host WorldPride 2028, which could bring one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ events to South Africa. If successful, it will not only be the largest Pride parade ever held in the country, but also the largest LGBTQ+ human rights conference ever held on African soil.While the celebrations are sure to grab the headlines, the wider impact on the business and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industries is just as important. The push for inclusive events is accelerating, with Cape Town’s WorldPride bid a wake-up call for business owners to start rethinking how they host events.Setting a new standard for inclusionFCM Travel Production Operations Manager Mummy Mafojane noted that an event of this scale could set a new benchmark for inclusivity. “Pride is more than just a once-a-year celebration,” she said. “This is an opportunity for companies to embed inclusivity into every aspect of their operations, especially in meetings.”personal pronoun…
Stay ahead of year-end entertainment trends
go through Brooke Greenhill, Director of Elegant Experiences It has been over 13 years since I opened Elegant Experience (formerly Elegant Entertainment) and in those years I have experienced many different trends in the events industry in SA. What I've noticed this year is that last minute planning has become a routine and many people get bogged down in terms of entertaining and securing the creative elements needed for the event. We recommend booking as soon as possible, otherwise you may be stuck with your second or third choice and not achieve your end-of-year vision!Having said that, my team at 'Elegant' are great at making something last minute and we (like many in the industry) have become agile and very used to pulling rabbits out of hats! We are known to produce complete productions, including singers, dancers, circus acts and celebrity performers, in just days with custom AV content and scripts. It's a habit we don't like to make and…
The secret to a happy business trip? sunshine and
Remember when business travel wellness meant a gym with treadmills and a fruit basket in the room? Fast forward to today: South African business travelers are increasingly in demand for well-lit rooms and the holy grail of sleep aids – memory foam pillows. Yes, you heard it right.“We are seeing more and more customers coming forward with specific preferences, such as hotel rooms with good natural light or views and not facing other buildings, and of course personalized pillow selections,” confirms Rategang Moroke, Corporate Traveler Operations Manager. She said the requests go beyond comfort - it's about overall well-being. “Travelers want to look their best, and that starts with feeling good physically and mentally,” she says.Science supports this. Natural light isn’t just good for the eyes, it can also have a positive impact on mood, productivity and even sleep patterns. For business people commuting between airport lounges and hotel conference rooms, natural light is becoming as important as Wi-Fi."People are…
Discover the soul of Kenya at Mnarani Beach Club
Meeting Magazine caught up Lisa Ruth During a conference in Kenya Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2024, Lisa Ruth,represent Mnarani Beach Clubshares her experience of this stunning resort nestled along Kilifi Creek. MKTE is Africa’s tourism industry’s premier event, bringing together key industry players, and Mnarani Beach Club showcases the perfect blend of adventure and leisure that defines Kenya’s unique tourism product.Mnarani Beach Club Inviting you to immerse yourself in the heart of Kenyan culture. Here, the pace of life is unhurried and Kenyan hospitality welcomes you with open arms. As the locals say, "thing" (hello) and "welcome" (welcome) or "no problem” (Don’t worry) – “From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the essence of Kenya’s vibrant welcoming spirit. " Relaxation paradiseFor guests who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Mnarani Beach Club Provides the perfect retreat. Lisa describes the experience: “Dip your toes into the soft sea sand and feel the ebb and flow of…
VUKA Group and Global Trust Project: Establishment
In a world where trust is becoming an increasingly valuable asset, new partnerships have been formed to address this important factor.VUKA Group, an Africa-based conference, exhibition and media agency, has partnered with Global Trust Projects through a newly signed joint venture agreement. Led by VUKA Group CEO David Ashdown and Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Global Trust Project, the partnership promises to revolutionize the way businesses and governments understand and apply trust to drive success.The beginning of a visionThe partnership’s journey began just over a year ago, with both parties exploring how best to support Dominic Wilhelm’s vision for global trust projects. Ashdown recalls the early days: “Dominic’s passion for trust resonated strongly with me. At VUKA Group we specialize in connecting people and organizations, which aligns with the Global Trust Project’s mission to work on what matters most Influence 10 million people, and in turn influence 1 billion people: trust.”Over the past 12 months, VUKA Group…
Opening up new frontiers for tourism growth
The 2024 Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Leadership Conference concluded in Suncity, North West Province. Now in its third year, the conference brings together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as dignitaries, guests and representatives from the tourism industry. Over two days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on the pressing challenges facing South Africa’s tourism industry tourism affairs.South Africa is working steadily towards its target of receiving 15.6 million tourists per year by 2030. South Africa has made significant progress, particularly in attracting more tourists through public-private partnerships, which are vital to ensuring the industry operates smoothly. "We have had fruitful discussions over the past two days. Our goal is to ensure that this gathering is more than just talk. We will compile the insights shared and develop actionable steps," said TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.Improvements have been made in the visa issuance and related legislative framework since the last leaders' meeting. In partnership with…
World’s smallest chef extends his show in Bath, 54
The world’s smallest chef, Le Petit Chef, returns to Johannesburg’s northern suburbs for a culinary journey like no other at Southern Sun’s luxurious 54 on Bath hotel in Rosebank. By popular demand, this immersive dining experience has been extended until 31 December 2024, with food lovers in for a treat with its latest show, “How to Be the World’s Greatest Chef”.An unparalleled culinary feastThe world-renowned DinnerTimeStoriesSA with Le Petit Chef is a feast for the senses, combining cutting-edge 3D projection technology, dynamic music and carefully arranged decorations to create a dining experience that takes guests on a journey through time. You can sit comfortably in your seat and experience a culinary journey across history and culture. The six courses in this "fun dining" experience are all accompanied by immersive visuals projected directly onto your table. This is more than just a dinner, it is an unforgettable show.The interactive nature of the evening allows diners to become part of the show.…
aha Hotels & Lodges expands its portfolio with the opening of the luxurious Skukuza hotel
aha Hotels & Lodges is delighted to announce the management of Skukuza Safari Lodge, a prestigious property located in the heart of the iconic Kruger National Park. The lodge will officially reopen this month, promising visitors an unrivalled safari experience, combining luxury and adventure in one of South Africa’s most precious natural environments.A luxurious paradise in the wildernessSkukuza Safari Lodge has 128 elegantly designed rooms, including 11 family rooms and 8 luxury suites, ensuring comfort and refinement for a safari stay. Guests can relax in the lodge's bar, gymnasium and swimming pool, or dine in the restaurant, which offers both à la carte and buffet menus.For business travellers, the hotel offers the Mondzo meeting room, ideal for intimate gatherings, while the newly refurbished Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre can accommodate up to 600 delegates, making it an ideal venue for large corporate events and conferences. The conference centre is equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure your event is executed flawlessly.A custom…
ANEW Hotels: Hospitality experts lead with a personal touch
Tenielle Pienaar's involvement in the hospitality industry was accidental. Tenielle originally planned to work as a nanny in the United States after graduating from high school, but after a 10-minute conversation with her mother, she changed her mind.During the discussion, she revealed that she was a year too young to take care of herself and her mother rejected the option of "doing nothing" for a year. In those 10 minutes, she decided to study International Hotel Management at University College as her mother encouraged her to choose any course from the brochure she gave her. Little did she know at the time, this impromptu decision would not only allow her to enjoy a year at University College, but also mark the beginning of her career in the hospitality industry.Her career took a turn when she moved to the United States to work as a nanny, but she later returned to manage one of the largest hunting companies in Hluhluwe. After…
ANEW Hotels: Hospitality experts lead with a personal touch
Tenielle Pienaar's involvement in the hospitality industry was accidental. Tenielle originally planned to work as a nanny in the United States after graduating from high school, but after a 10-minute conversation with her mother, she changed her mind.During the discussion, she revealed that she was a year too young to take care of herself and her mother rejected the option of "doing nothing" for a year. In those 10 minutes, she decided to study International Hotel Management at University College as her mother encouraged her to choose any course from the brochure she gave her. Little did she know at the time, this impromptu decision would not only allow her to enjoy a year at University College, but also mark the beginning of her career in the hospitality industry.Her career took a turn when she moved to the United States to work as a nanny, but she later returned to manage one of the largest hunting companies in Hluhluwe. After…
The HelmsBriscoe advantage: global expertise, local presence
Since 1992, HelmsBriscoe has been a global industry leader in hotel site selection and event planning, providing clients with a seamless planning experience.HelmsBriscoe has unrivalled buying power and industry-leading knowledge across South Africa and across Africa to ensure our clients’ events are perfectly matched with the right venue. Whether you are planning a corporate event, an association meeting or a government event, HelmsBriscoe’s team of venue selection and procurement experts are committed to delivering value and excellence every step of the way.Why choose HelmsBriscoe?At the heart of our success is the HelmsBriscoe Customer Advantage – an approach built on buying power, collective knowledge and customer-centric processes.Unrivaled purchasing powerAs the largest customer of major hotel brands around the world, HelmsBriscoe has unrivalled purchasing power. This enables us to secure better availability, prices and added value for our clients. With hundreds of destination partners and a network of more than 1,200 employees in more than 60 countries, we ensure your event is…
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